Digging deep for hope
By Betty Hertz
From Romans 15:12-13 (The Inclusive Bible)
12 and again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse is coming,
and will arise to rule over the nations,
and they will place their trust in the Coming One”
13 May the God of hope fill you with such peace and joy in your faith, that you may filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The first Advent candle is Hope. It is also known as the Prophet Candle. In the Old Testament prophets, like Isaiah, foretold the coming of the Messiah. For us the Hope candle represents our anticipation of the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings to the world.
Honestly, I have had to dig deep in my heart to feel hope recently. When I chose to write about hope, I know God chuckled because He knew my recent struggles. As I read Verse 13, I thought about the relationship between faith and hope. That led to asking if I am struggling with hope, am I also struggling with faith?
Of course, God decided I needed a refresher course on faith. I have given up counting the number of times I have needed that refresher! Do I have enough faith? Do I need more faith? Well God sent me an answer through The Kingdom Of The Poor by Charles Strobel. I read these words: “We do not need more faith. We need confidence in the faith we have.” As long as I allow the Holy Spirit to work within me my faith is restored and refreshed. I experience confident faith. With that faith, I have room to allow hope to grow.
Hymn of Promise (from UMH, p. 707) has anchored me when my faith has wavered, and everything has seemed hopeless. Verse 2 especially speaks to me:
“There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody,
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”
Ever Faithful God,
Thank you for your patience as I wander from your plans for me. You remind me that when I let your Son’s words and the Holy Spirit’s power work in me, I return to your path. My faith is restored, and I experience peace, joy and hope. In your beloved son’s name, Amen.
Betty Hertz is St. John Lay Leader and a Stephen Minister.
